This allows our children and young people to share their opinions and priorities, to influence decision making in Calderdale.
Our ambition
- To make sure that young people's voices are listened to and action taken. Tackling issues that affect our lives.
- To influence decision making, improve services and strengthen participation for young people in Calderdale.
- To develop new skills and build confidence.
- To make sure our voice empowers others.
Get involved
We run these groups that work on themes chosen by young people:
Youth Council
- For ages 10 to 18 year.
- Meet every fortnight.
Representing Calderdale Council working with Councillors to help Calderdale reach its long-term vision. We deliver campaigns and drive change for young people.
Young Advisors
- For ages 13 to 17 years.
- Meet monthly.
Gain insight and share our views to review services and improve Safeguarding in Calderdale.
SEND Youth Representatives
- For ages 13 to 25 years with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).
We are experts by experience, representing all young people with SEND. We improve services and influence SEND Board decisions.
Express Children in Care Council
- For ages 12 to 17 years who have care experience.
- Meet every two weeks.
Share Ideas and experiences with decision makers to improve Children's Social Care.
Care Leavers' Collective
- For ages 16 to 25 years who are care leavers.
- Meet fortnightly.
To develop skills and Independence. To shape services in social care and improve the offer available to care leavers.
As well as the above groups, you can:
- Join in regional and national events.
- Take part in fun activities and experiences.
- Sit on interview panels and do training to gain valuable skills.
Voice and Influence Strategy
The Voice and Influence Strategy, called VoCalderdale, was created with Calderdale Council and local young people. It helps young people share their views and be part of decisions that affect their lives.
The strategy believes young people are not just service users but equal partners whose voices must be heard and respected.
Summary of the Voice and Influence Strategy
Purpose and vision
The strategy is a plan to include youth voice in policies and services. It follows laws like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children Acts. These laws say children must be listened to and involved in decisions.
Calderdale’s Vision 2034 supports this work and aims for a hopeful, kind, and inclusive community.
Participation principles
Young people helped create the “Rules of Engagement” for how adults should work with them. These rules include listening, giving feedback, and creating safe, inclusive spaces. The strategy supports child-led and co-produced approaches where young people lead with adult support.
Why youth voice matters
Young people in Calderdale want to influence decisions on health, education, safety, jobs, and transport. Their voices help shape better services and build a stronger society. Participation builds confidence, skills, and helps services work better for everyone.
Strategic priorities
The strategy has five main goals, called the “Yellow Brick Road”:
- Listening and engaging – Create safe, inclusive ways for young people to share views. Train staff to support this.
- Collaborating and co-designing – Involve young people in designing services and policies. Treat them as equal partners.
- Responding and acting – Give clear feedback. Show how young people’s input changes decisions.
- Learning and reinforcing – Keep improving how young people are involved. Make participation part of everyday work.
- Focusing on marginalised voices – Include all young people, especially those often left out. Train staff to support this.
Measuring success
Success will be measured by youth feedback, service changes, staff training, and better digital engagement. A “You said, we did” approach will show how feedback leads to action.
Co-creation process
The strategy was made through creative sessions with youth groups. Young people chose the name “VoCalderdale” and helped design the plan. Their feedback improved communication, access, and inclusion.
Contact us
For more details or to get involved, please contact Gemma Watkins (Youth Voice Coordinator):
- Email: Youthvoice@calderdale.gov.uk.
- Phone: (01422) 392003 (The Orange Box, our young Peoples Centre).